The River Knows the Way

I used to swim against the stream,
Each stroke a cry, each breath a dream.
My scales like armor, gold and bright,
But heavy in the morning light.

The current asked me not to fight,
To yield, to trust, to take delight.
But pride had built a dam of fear—
What if the shore I loved disappeared?

Then one day, tired and torn,
I let go where the rocks are worn.
The water cradled all my ache,
And gave back more than I could take.

Now I glide with ease and grace,
No need to chase, no need to race.
For life, it seems, was never mine
To conquer—only to align.

© Susie Stiles-Wolf